From basketball to tennis
Tennis has not traditionally occupied the same space in Filipino sporting culture as basketball or boxing.
But Eala’s rise has helped change that, bringing the sport to people who may previously have paid little attention to it.
Miguel La Torre, a sports aficionado and writer, has followed Eala since her junior days. A longtime tennis fan and a supporter of Novak Djokovic since 2011, he has watched her develop over the years before naturally becoming a supporter of her career.
What has excited him most is not only the attention Eala receives, but the growing interest in tennis itself.
“Before, there were only a handful of people I could really talk to about tennis. Now, there are so many more people following the sport, talking about matches, not just Alex’s, but also the whole tour. That’s something I really appreciate,” exclaimed La Torre.
‘We belong on the biggest stages’
La Torre believes Eala’s impact has been more than encouraging Filipinos to follow tennis. She has also been challenging the way Filipinos see themselves in international sport.
“I think Alex is an inspiration because she shows Filipinos that we are capable of competing and succeeding on the world stage.”
He has stressed that Filipinos should move away from seeing themselves only as underdogs.
Children picking up rackets
The impact of Eala’s rise may ultimately be measured not by the number of people watching her matches, but by the number of children inspired to play.
Lea Brena, a businesswoman, has become a fan after seeing Eala train at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
What has impressed her was Eala’s willingness to leave her comfort zone early in life and pursue elite-level competition.
Brena has seen Eala’s journey as a blueprint for young athletes in the Philippines and reflects the importance of investing in sports infrastructure and youth development.
More than a tennis player
For entrepreneur Ayah Vergara Asaad, Eala’s appeal goes beyond her ability on the court. She has regarded the rising Filipina tennis star as someone carrying the hopes and pride of an entire country whenever she competes.
“I became an Alex Eala fan because I saw more than just a talented tennis player, I saw a young Filipina who carries the dreams, hopes, and pride of our country wherever she competes,” described Asaad.
Her determination and humility are what have stood out most.
“Every achievement she earns feels like a proud moment for the Philippines. She is showing our young generation that our dreams do not have to be limited by where we come from.”
A hero for Filipinos far from home
Additionally, Eala’s story has carried an added emotional dimension. For overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the experience of watching her compete internationally can feel deeply familiar.
Donell Almanzor Aducal, a sales executive, has mentioned that Eala reminds him of the sacrifices many Filipinos make while building lives far from home.
“As an OFW, I know what it feels like to work hard far from home and carry the hopes and dreams of your family and country with you,” stated Aducal.
‘Proud to be Filipino’
Eala’s victories are her own. So are the sacrifices and hours of work behind them. But the inspiration they have created belongs to millions of fans worldwide.
Eala is not simply giving Filipinos a tennis player to cheer for. She is giving them a tennis player to believe in.
And with every match, every young fan picking up a racket, and every person saying “proud to be Filipino,” the question is no longer whether Filipinos can belong on the biggest tennis stages. They are beginning to believe they do.
Tricia is a reporter and anchor whose work focuses on people, policy, expatriate communities, and Filipinos at home and abroad. Her reporting spans national affairs, overseas Filipinos, and major developments across the Middle East. She holds a degree in Broadcasting and has contributed to leading media organisations. With experience across television, print, and digital platforms, Tricia continues to develop a clear, credible voice in a rapidly evolving global media landscape.